Business Diary: Now Ocado is a figure of fun

Poor old Ocado. The online grocery company's share price hasn't stopped falling since its flotation a few weeks ago, prompting Nick Bubb, the retail analyst, to offer a prize to readers of his updates on the sector for the best explanation of what Ocado might actually stand for. We like "one can always dream online" and "owners confounded as deal overpriced" as early contenders. If you've got a better suggestion, let us know.

Bankers with a sense of style

Calling all sharply dressed City types. Cad and the Dandy, the Savile Row tailor, has launched a competition to find the best-dressed banker. The tailor, which is run by two former bankers – they used to work for Barclays and BNP Paribas before launching the venture a couple of years ago – have a shortlist, but don't be afraid to chance your arm. James Sleater, the ex-BNP man, says he has already had an entry from the boss who let him go from the bank.

Ryanair steps in to save the day

Don't you just love Ryanair, which is swooping in on a mission of mercy to help passengers stranded by the collapse of the travel firm Kiss Flights earlier this week. "Ryanair also pledged to assist with the repatriation of passengers who may be caught up in any future airline collapse," the airline added yesterday. Naturally, it expects not to be out of pocket – a one-way flight home from destinations including Lanzarote, Faro and Malaga will set you back £99.

Labour aides not going cheap

So much for socialism. PR Week magazine reports that "scores of former Labour Party advisers" who lost their jobs when their bosses were booted out of power are missing out on alternative careers in the public relations sector, which has always been a favourite bolthole for political aides who find themselves back on the job market. The problem, it would seem, is that most are asking for "completely unrealistic" salaries. The agencies apparently balk at their six-figures demands.

businessdiary@independent.co.uk